Electric Tool Torsion Control for Precision Screw Tightening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-professional users, such as housewives and the elderly, face difficulties in controlling screw advance depth and bolt pre-tension with existing electric screwdrivers, leading to imperfect work outcomes due to the inability to select suitable gearshifts and the need for combined electrical and manual operations, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

An electric tool with a planetary gear transmission mechanism and a locking mechanism that allows for both electric and manual operation modes, featuring a torsion control system that detects and memorizes the operator's input torsion, enabling automatic control of screw tightening to match the desired torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical torsion cup with fixed gearshifts is used, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot precisely control the torsion value according to their needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsion control precisionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical torsion cup with fixed gearshifts with an electronic control system. The controller receives user input through electronic interfaces and automatically adjusts the motor output torque, eliminating the need for mechanical gearshifts while enabling precise torsion control. This substitution of mechanical system with electronic system resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic torsion adjustment where the controller can modify the torsion value in real-time based on user input and work conditions. Unlike fixed mechanical gearshifts, the electronic system allows continuous adjustment of torsion parameters, making the device adaptable to different screw types and material conditions, thereby improving operational precision without requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the user manually rotates the screw tight after electrical operation, then the screw tightening precision is improved, but the working efficiency decreases due to time-consuming dual operation mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew tightening precisionVSAvoidworking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the electric screwdriver to perform the function of manual tightening automatically. The controller monitors the screwing process in real-time, detects when the screw reaches its tightening limit through torque sensing or position feedback, and automatically stops the motor. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to switch between electrical and manual modes, thereby maintaining high precision while significantly improving working efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the screwing process through sensors that detect torque, position, or current parameters. When the feedback indicates that the screw has reached the desired tightening state, the controller automatically stops the motor. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise screw tightening without requiring manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the locking mechanism locks the power input member during manual operation, then the manual operation stability is improved, but the electric operation capability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operation stabilityVSAvoidoperation mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism that can switch between locked and unlocked states based on the operation mode. During manual operation, the locking mechanism engages to stabilize the power input member and prevent unintended rotation. During electric operation, the locking mechanism disengages to allow the motor to drive the output shaft. This dynamic switching capability ensures manual operation stability while maintaining electric operation versatility, resolving the contradiction between the two requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances user control and efficiency by allowing the electric tool to automatically stop when the desired torque is reached, improving DIY users' skills and reducing workload, ensuring screws are securely tightened without over-tightening.

Implementation Method 1

a first planetary gear transmission mechanism disposed between the motor and the output shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

a locking mechanism comprising a power output member and having a locked state and an unlocked state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLocking mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9014933B2Electric tool
Publication Date: 2015.04.21 CHERVON HK LTD WANCHAI
  • US9014933B2 patent drawing
  • US9014933B2 patent drawing
  • US9014933B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electric tool has a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, an output shaft, a first planetary gear transmission mechanism, having a power input member, disposed between the motor and the output shaft, and a locking mechanism, having a power output member. The locking mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. When torsion is transmitted from the motor to the output shaft, the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, and the output shaft is driven by the motor to rotate to perform electric operation. When the output shaft reversely receives a force, the locking mechanism is in the locked state, and the power input member of the first planetary gear transmission member is locked to perform manual operation.